Abbeygate Cinema Helps Protect the Community with New Defibrillator
Abbeygate Cinema is helping to make Bury St Edmunds a safer place with the installation of a new publicly accessible defibrillator.
The lifesaving equipment was made possible thanks to fundraising by the cinema, the generosity of its loyal patrons, and the support of neighbouring businesses along Hatter Street.
Gareth Boggis, General Manager of Abbeygate Cinema, said: “We’re so fortunate to be part of such a kind and generous community, from our wonderful patrons to our fantastic Hatter Street neighbours. We have a proud history of fundraising for worthwhile causes, so when we had the opportunity to help protect local people by installing a defibrillator, we didn’t hesitate. It has already been used twice, and while we hope it’s never needed, we’re pleased to know it’s there in such a prominent location to provide reassurance and potentially save lives.”
In recognition of its commitment to improving public safety, Abbeygate Cinema has been presented with the Defibrillator Scheme Champion Award 2026.
The award celebrates organisations that have gone above and beyond to help create a safer community by making lifesaving defibrillators more accessible.
Gareth added: “We’re honoured to receive the Defibrillator Scheme Champion Award. Our Bury St Edmunds BID has worked tirelessly to improve access to defibrillators across the town, and we’re proud to support its mission. We hope our installation encourages others to consider how they too can help protect the community.”
Defibrillators in Bury St Edmunds Town Centre
For many years, we’ve worked with local partners and businesses to make lifesaving defibrillators available across the town centre. The first publicly accessible defibrillator was installed at The Apex in 2014, and since then, more public units have been added.
All defibrillator locations are marked on the town map, enabling people to locate the nearest one in an emergency quickly. As part of our support for safety in the town, we also include defibrillator training in our free first aid courses for our BID members.
Click here to find out more about our defibrilators initiative.
